Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

We love our human-shaped robots in pop culture. From Lieutenant Commander Data to C3P0 to Baymax. But, are they any good at making things? At the Automate show this year, humanoid robots peppered the show floor, lifting boxes, walking around, picking up tools... slowly. Very, very slowly. For all of the promise of lifelike robots that can replace human workers on the assembly line, one-for-one, they aren't meeting that promise yet. Last year, Tesla caught flak for using human pilots to remote-control Optimus robots during a launch event.  Ujjwal Kumar, group president of Teradyne Robotics, says automated humanoids are cool, but they're not terribly practical. Why force a robot to stand on two legs when wheels could get them across a shop floor faster and with greater stability? Why create a standalone, human-like machine that needs batters when you could install an arm with a power source? In this formerly live conversation, we discuss why humans are so much better at some tasks and why a humanoid robot isn't a great solution. 

In this episode we'll discuss next-generation manufacturing use cases, implications around increased OT digitization, and the networking capabilities required to future-proof operations. This episode is sponsored by Cisco. 

Chris van den Belt and Berend Booms from Ultimo, an IFS company, delve into the exciting evolution of agentic AI in enterprise asset management. They discuss how AI is transforming from a supporting role to a key autonomous worker, enhancing safety, maintenance, and engagement across various skill levels. Real-world use cases illustrate AI's impact on incident reporting and preventive strategies. The conversation emphasizes the importance of trust between humans and AI, ensuring smooth integration and improved efficiency in managing assets.

Fastenal's Ryan Tucker and Sara Weaver share how the company has transformed and grown their workplace safety program over the past 12 years and what they’re focusing on next. A preview of Safety Leadership Conference 2025, held Oct. 20-22 in Phoenix: www.safetyleadershipconference.com

There's more than a little bit of Tesla talk in Ford's announcement on Aug. 11, that it would invest $2 billion to retrofit its Louisville Assembly Plant to make a small electric pickup in 2027. It's a bold, ambitious plan that's equal parts going after Chinese competition, heating up leftover Tesla ideas and taking advantage of the scale of a massive global automaker.  Pieces of the plan touch on multiple aspects of the manufacturing industry that we care about at Endeavor B2B's Manufacturing Group -- safety/ergonomics, manufacturing procedures, casting technologies and what the vehicle factory of the future might look like. IndustryWeek Editor-in-Chief Robert Schoenberger, who spent four years earlier in his career writing about the Ford plant for The Courier-Journal in Louisville, discusses Ford's plans, where it's fudging the numbers a bit and how it hopes to create a new manufacturing paradigm in Kentucky, with a little help from Ford executives and engineers who spoke at the investment announcement.

When a forged part is labeled “capable of ASTM A388,” what does that really mean? And more importantly, what does it not mean? In this episode, we break down the difference between a part that could theoretically pass ultrasonic testing and one that’s actually been tested. We’ll look at why that difference matters in industries where safety and reliability are critical, explore common internal defects in forgings, and explain why proper surface preparation is key to accurate ultrasonic inspection. If you’d like to dive deeper into the details, you can read the full article here: https://www.newequipment.com/55279288

Joe Kuhn, a former plant manager and president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC, shares invaluable insights on fostering a positive work culture in manufacturing. He discusses how leadership should focus on support rather than blame when navigating crises. Joe emphasizes the importance of cultivating teamwork and trust, underscoring key qualities that make effective coworkers. Listeners will discover how to transform maintenance challenges into learning opportunities while enhancing communication and collaboration among teams.

Discover the latest advancements in non-ferrous metallurgy that are transforming manufacturing. Explore a groundbreaking study on recycling aluminum scrap into high-performance alloys, crucial for tackling supply chain challenges. Learn about innovative multi-element alloys designed for high-temperature applications. A partnership with spectroscopy experts promises real-time analysis of molten metals, boosting manufacturing efficiency. These developments point to a future where performance and sustainability go hand in hand.

Alyssa Kwasny, Wellness Program Director at Faith Technologies Inc., and Rocky Rowlett, Vice President of Safety, dive into creating a thriving workplace culture. They discuss the significance of mental health strategies alongside robust safety practices. Hear how regular wellness surveys help assess initiatives and the power of storytelling in normalizing mental health discussions. They also highlight innovative, data-driven mental health resources and the essential integration of psychological safety into everyday practices for a healthier work environment.

Manufacturers are facing a shortage of employees as Baby Boomers retire, but young people often overlook factory opportunities. A San Antonio plant has launched an internship program for high school students, leading many to full-time jobs. Personal stories of graduates reveal the transformative power of these internships, while highlighting essential skills gained and the supportive environment fostered by the program. This initiative aims to inspire the next generation to explore rewarding careers in advanced manufacturing.